Rio Grande Regional Hospital Designated a Texas Ten Step Program Facility
McAllen, Texas, December 16, 2013 – Rio Grande Regional Hospital, an HCA Affiliated Hospital, has taken a giant step towards improving the health of newborns and infants by earning the Texas Ten Step Program facility designation from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
The Texas Ten Step Program encourages breastfeeding as the preferred method of feeding for newborns and infants. Rio Grande Regional Hospital joins a growing number of Texas birth facilities that are supporting new mothers and their decision to breastfeed.
Based on the World Health Organization (WHO)/ UNICEF’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, the program aims to assist birth facility’s support of breastfeeding mothers before, during, and after delivery; encourages them to identify breastfeeding resources for the mother after she is discharged; and assists facilities in improving on national performance measures such as the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Breastfeeding Report Card. The goal of the Texas Ten Step Program is to have 82 percent of infants exclusively breastfeeding when discharged.
Texas Ten Step facilities are asked to address 85% of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, be designated as a Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite, evaluate their breastfeeding policies, maternity care practices and educate all healthcare staff routinely with evidence-based courses.
“We have worked very hard to earn the Texas Ten Step Program designation,” said Cris Rivera, Chief Executive Officer. “And we are proud to join the other select Texas hospitals in promoting breastfeeding to our new mothers.”
For more information on the Texas Ten Step Program, call Veronica Hendrix, Program Coordinator at (512) 341-4592, or visit the web site at www.texastenstep.org
For more information on services at Rio Grande Regional Hospital, visit www.RioHealth.com.
About Rio Grande Regional Hospital
Founded in 1982, Rio Grande Regional Hospital is a 320-bed, full service medical facility serving the Rio Grande Valley. With over 500 physicians representing over 35 specialties, Rio Grande Regional Hospital along with the Children’s Medical Center at Rio Grande Regional Hospital offer an array of comprehensive services including: full surgical and diagnostic capabilities, Cardiac Care; Surgical Services; Radiology; Women’s Services; Diabetes Management; Intensive Care for Adults and Pediatric; Neonatal Care; Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy; Advanced Level III Trauma Services, and an Off-Site Emergency Department. For more information visit our website at www.riohealth.com.